Lighting for SPS Elos 120xl

Jeremy257 · 02/21/2017, 10:40 AM

All,

I'm getting ready to purchase my next setup finally. The tank will be an Elos 120xl which is 47.25Lx31.5Wx19.7H.

Would you go with 4 x Hydra 26 HD lights or with a 48" Giesemann Spectra for lighting?

Stickboy97 · 02/21/2017, 01:22 PM

Look up d2mini's build thread.... same tank

jporter · 02/21/2017, 01:49 PM

D2mini has been very helpful as I'm transferring to my new 120XL. I'm going to continue using my Reef Brite MH Hybrid. I have no doubts that it will provide more than adequate lighting on this footprint. I swapped out the inner 2 XHO LEDs with their T5 retrofits. I now have LEDs, T5s, MH's and a moonlight in one fixture. I may even add another T5 on each side. I will be following along and good luck with your build. JP

Jeremy257 · 02/21/2017, 04:13 PM

Thanks for the help folks. I will decide tonight. I want to get my order in.

moondoggy4 · 02/21/2017, 08:18 PM

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2621935 Have you looked into these?

I am a fan of the Giesemann light. I have the Infinity model.

Jeremy257 · 02/21/2017, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moondoggy4

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2621935 Have you looked into these?

I am a fan of the Giesemann light. I have the Infinity model.

I always said that my next tank would be Radium powered. I didn't have the best of success with SPS and LED. I do however see a lot of success with some of the new top end LEDs and it makes me think. I can get Hydras for a good price but I will say if I'm looking at buying 3 52s I'd probably just go with two G4s as the spread on them is pretty great and I have seen some good SPS tanks in person running them.

reefwiser · 02/22/2017, 05:40 AM

You will need more than two G4 for and SPS tank. People buy way to little LED's for the tanks they want to place them on.

Jeremy257 · 02/22/2017, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reefwiser

You will need more than two G4 for and SPS tank. People buy way to little LED's for the tanks they want to place them on.

World Wide Corals is running two G4s on their Elos 160xl (63x31.5x23.5). It is packed full of magnificent SPS colonies.

There is a shop here in Denver running two G4s over their Elos 160xl as well. They don't have their tank packed full like WWC of SPS.. but it's got a good bit.

BRS' test on the G4 shows that it can clearly illuminate a 30" square quite nicely.

d2mini · 02/22/2017, 11:54 AM

I have 3 g4 pros over my 120xl, and mounted around 17" off the water for extra spread.
With the XL and it's deeper dimension front to back, I hung the G4's front to back instead of side to side for that extra front to back coverage. If it was the regular 120, two would be enough.
I'd be waivering if I was to install GHL Mitras.... two may work. Although I'd still be a little worried about covering that 31" front to back dimension on an sps heavy tank.
As with most LEDs, they will illuminate a large area at the bottom of the tank, but as you go up that area is drastically reduced.
That said, the G4's have much better spread than the previous generations, effectively cutting off the top of that cone effect.

Jeremy257 · 02/22/2017, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d2mini

I have 3 g4 pros over my 120xl, and mounted around 17" off the water for extra spread.
With the XL and it's deeper dimension front to back, I hung the G4's front to back instead of side to side for that extra front to back coverage. If it was the regular 120, two would be enough.
I'd be waivering if I was to install GHL Mitras.... two may work. Although I'd still be a little worried about covering that 31" front to back dimension on an sps heavy tank.
As with most LEDs, they will illuminate a large area at the bottom of the tank, but as you go up that area is drastically reduced.
That said, the G4's have much better spread than the previous generations, effectively cutting off the top of that cone effect.

Thanks D2mini. As it's the same tank, I'll definitely take your word for it. I think I'm going to put the order in and get 3 Hydra 52s. I want the Radiums but do not want the bulb replacement and electricity costs.

d2mini · 02/22/2017, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy257

Thanks D2mini. As it's the same tank, I'll definitely take your word for it. I think I'm going to put the order in and get 3 Hydra 52s. I want the Radiums but do not want the bulb replacement and electricity costs.

Those are supposed to be awesome and many prefer them over the Radions.

Good luck!!!

Jeremy257 · 02/22/2017, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d2mini

Those are supposed to be awesome and many prefer them over the Radions.

Good luck!!!

Thanks D2mini. I just put in the order and when the time came I caved. I am a novice with SPS for sure. I really want a tank full of Acros. I ordered a 48" Giesemann Spectra and a couple of Luxcore Ballasts. I will run Radium and ATI Blue+ bulbs. I want to focus on water chemistry and stability knowing that I can't mess up the lighting. I am sure I give LEDs another shot down the road.

I'm super excited about the new setup though my credit card appears to be charred.

d2mini · 02/22/2017, 02:13 PM

That should be great too. Good plan.
I almost went with the ATI 8 bulb T5/LED Power Module on mine.

Colt1911 · 02/23/2017, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d2mini

That should be great too. Good plan.
I almost went with the ATI 8 bulb T5/LED Power Module on mine.

What was your deciding factor in choosing Radions over the ATI T5 Hybrid?

d2mini · 02/24/2017, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colt1911

What was your deciding factor in choosing Radions over the ATI T5 Hybrid?

Honestly... I was directly challenged by Ecotech to run the new G4 Pro's after giving up several years ago on a different tank using G1's and G2's and going back to MH/T5.

clownfish569 · 10/11/2017, 04:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d2mini

I have 3 g4 pros over my 120xl, and mounted around 17" off the water for extra spread.
With the XL and it's deeper dimension front to back, I hung the G4's front to back instead of side to side for that extra front to back coverage. If it was the regular 120, two would be enough.
I'd be waivering if I was to install GHL Mitras.... two may work. Although I'd still be a little worried about covering that 31" front to back dimension on an sps heavy tank.
As with most LEDs, they will illuminate a large area at the bottom of the tank, but as you go up that area is drastically reduced.
That said, the G4's have much better spread than the previous generations, effectively cutting off the top of that cone effect.

whats the link for your Elos tank thread? I have a 120XL and would love to read it

quan325i · 10/22/2017, 07:13 PM

I am using 2 Mitras 6205 on my 120xl

d2mini · 10/22/2017, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clownfish569

whats the link for your Elos tank thread? I have a 120XL and would love to read it

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2570484

jda · 10/22/2017, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d2mini

Honestly... I was directly challenged by Ecotech to run the new G4 Pro's after giving up several years ago on a different tank using G1's and G2's and going back to MH/T5.

Did they give them to you?

mirkus · 10/23/2017, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jda

Did they give them to you?

that would be awesome.. I'd like to "rent" some lights for free

02/21/2017, 10:40 AM	#1
Jeremy257 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Denver, CO USA Posts: 113	Lighting for SPS Elos 120xl All, I'm getting ready to purchase my next setup finally. The tank will be an Elos 120xl which is 47.25Lx31.5Wx19.7H. Would you go with 4 x Hydra 26 HD lights or with a 48" Giesemann Spectra for lighting?

02/21/2017, 01:22 PM	#2
Stickboy97 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Conroe, TX Posts: 647	Look up d2mini's build thread.... same tank __________________ DSA 105g Neo Pro

02/22/2017, 05:40 AM	#7
reefwiser Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Louisville,Kentucky Posts: 1,208	You will need more than two G4 for and SPS tank. People buy way to little LED's for the tanks they want to place them on. __________________ President Louisville Marine Aquarium Society. http://www.lmas.org/ The 3rd Annual Frag swap will be held September 23rd,2017 11 am till 3pm Saint Thomas Fellowship hall,9616 Westport Road,Louisvi

02/22/2017, 11:54 AM	#9
d2mini Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 10,344	I have 3 g4 pros over my 120xl, and mounted around 17" off the water for extra spread. With the XL and it's deeper dimension front to back, I hung the G4's front to back instead of side to side for that extra front to back coverage. If it was the regular 120, two would be enough. I'd be waivering if I was to install GHL Mitras.... two may work. Although I'd still be a little worried about covering that 31" front to back dimension on an sps heavy tank. As with most LEDs, they will illuminate a large area at the bottom of the tank, but as you go up that area is drastically reduced. That said, the G4's have much better spread than the previous generations, effectively cutting off the top of that cone effect. __________________ -dennis Elos Diamond 120xl \| Elos Stand \| Radion G4 Pros \| GHL Profilux Controller \| LifeReef Skimmer \| LifeReef Sump Photos taken with a Nikon D750 or Leica M.

02/22/2017, 02:13 PM	#13
d2mini Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 10,344	That should be great too. Good plan. I almost went with the ATI 8 bulb T5/LED Power Module on mine. __________________ -dennis Elos Diamond 120xl \| Elos Stand \| Radion G4 Pros \| GHL Profilux Controller \| LifeReef Skimmer \| LifeReef Sump Photos taken with a Nikon D750 or Leica M.

02/21/2017, 04:13 PM	#4
Jeremy257 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Denver, CO USA Posts: 113	Thanks for the help folks. I will decide tonight. I want to get my order in.

02/21/2017, 08:18 PM	#5
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 11,042	http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2621935 Have you looked into these? I am a fan of the Giesemann light. I have the Infinity model.

10/22/2017, 07:13 PM	#17
quan325i Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 683	I am using 2 Mitras 6205 on my 120xl __________________ Mixed reef and fishes Equipments: ELOS 120XL GHL: Mitras 6200HV x 2/Doser2/Profilux/Profilux Touch/Aquabreeze Genesis: Auto Water Change